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Toxic Environments

Recently, Don and I traveled 5500+ miles together. We all over in the southwest United States… in the country, in small towns, in the mountains, and in several large cities. We were in places where there were many people and cars and also places where we rarely saw a person or house. We also experienced quite a variation in air quality.

When I am out in nature and it is a beautiful sunny day, I just want to take a deep breath. The crisp, clean air is so refreshing. But I really don’t love to head toward a city where there is a layer of smog. Once you are “in town” you might not notice it but it is very obvious from a few miles away that the air quality is compromised. Who wants to breathe that in?

There are places that have a toxic environment and it isn’t about the physical air quality but involves an unhealthy spiritual atmosphere.

Have you been in a place where creativity is discouraged? Manipulative behavior is common? Glad-handing and flattery are ever present? Responsibility is shirked? Incompetence is rewarded? Or an elephant is in the living room but everyone is too afraid to mention it?

Sometimes it is the result of a person or two who come in and are “allowed” to change the atmosphere. Other times it is entrenched in the culture of the institution. The family or workplace lost its health somewhere along the way.

Polluted air can impact your physical health. A toxic home or work environment can also take a toll on your physical heath…and emotional health…and spiritual health. But what do you do with it when you are aware of it?

The most important thing to do is pray!

Pray for your own spiritual protection and the spiritual protection of others involved.

Pray for others to come to an awareness of the unhealthy atmosphere.

Consider how you contribute to the health of the system and pray for a healthier contribution.

If you are sucked in, BACK UP! Take a good look at what is going on.

Ask others for their insight. You might be overreacting but you also might be onto something.

Pray about your involvement overall.

If you have to maintain some connection, pray about your level of engagement.

Heavenly Father ~ Help me discern how I contribute to unhealthy environments by either getting sucked in or staying silent on the sidelines. Give me courage to behave in healthy ways. Amen.

On the Road,

Liz

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PrayerPoints by liz

PrayerPoints is a chronicle of God working on my heart and mind. It is always a process. Sometimes fun but sometimes hard.
I am American born with Hungarian blood. I make plenty of mistakes but I am forgiven. I love to connect with people in a variety of ways.
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